THE Life-boat crews of this district, extending from Palling to Southwold, both inclusive, are formed on a different system from any other of the stations of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION.

The men who man the Life-boats are called Beachmen, are formed into companies for salvage purposes, and are trained up to the handling and launching of beach boats from boyhood. These boats are called yawls and gigs, celebrated for their great speed. Each man, on attaining the age of eighteen, and having purchased his full share of the company's property, he is at once entitled to take his place as one of the Life-boat crew.

Any of the beachmen on the spot are always eager to obtain a belt; every man of the companies takes an interest in the work, all combining for the occasion, where there is more than one company, when the Life-boat is used, but at other times working in opposition, except at Gorleston, where they are worked by one company only. The two coxswains are the only permanent members of the crew.

The method of sharing the money is by an old-established rule, namely, that all money received for service is put into one fond, and divided according to the number of men, five per cent, from the gross amount being divided among the crew of the boat, in addition to their dole. Sometimes 120 men have been engaged in this work. The share for those who risk their lives is very small, but nothing can exceed the eagerness and enthusiasm of these brave fellows; no storm, however violent, no hour of the night, or season of the year, ever deterred them from launching to the help of ships in distress, and on no part of the coast have more gallant deeds been performed than at the East Coast stations of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION. Such men are an honour to the nation, and we may well feel proud of them. Constant practice in going to the assistance of ships on the sands, or requiring the assistance of pilots in the offing, has brought out their best qualities as boatmen.

The launching of our boats is carried out in the following way. When the alarm is given the coxswain opens the doors of the boathouse, the roller skids are laid in line, to catch her as she moves down the beach; some haul on the "bow rope," others running with the skids, or exerting themselves to the utmost to get the boat to the water; the crew, in the meantime, scramble on board, and often cause disputes as to who shall go.

When at the water's edge, the sails are prepared and she is launched with a rush into the foaming breakers, and is pushed clear by a long pole, called a sett. The skids are long boxes, with an iron roller at each end.

The coxswain superintends the launching of the boat, and takes full command when afloat.

The South Norfolk and Suffolk boats are of different type to the self-righting boats, being water-ballasted, and the airtanks extending the whole length of the boat, along the sides and across the ends, giving free access fore and aft, and having a space along amidships for the reception of the water-ballast, which is let in by means of plugs in the bottom. These, being left open, also serve to relieve her when heavy seas are shipped. Her stability is further increased by a belt of cork outside, just below the gunwale.

The larger class have two large lugsails; the smaller class are for rowing.

They seem to be suitable for the requirements of this coast, having won the confidence of the men by 80 years' hard service.

I have lived amongst them for many years, and have learned to admire the fellows, ever ready to risk their lives in the cause of duty.

In conclusion, I would urge upon all to subscribe to the funds of the most noble of all Institutions—the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT. No other nation can boast of such a fleet of boats supported by voluntary contributions and manned by volunteers. We as Britons may well feel proud of them.

F. J. TANSLEY.